Quebec City ready to host FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour July 19-24

QUEBEC CITY - The FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour returns to Canada for the first time since 2007 from July 19-24 as Quebec City plays host to its first ever World Tour event with the Québec Open Jeep.

The Tour has been held in Canada in seven previous occasions (three in Toronto and four in Montreal). The competition in Quebec City is set for the Séminaire des Pères Maristes. For ticket info visit: www.quebecopenjeep.com

The tournament officially starts July 19 with the country quota matches at 2 p.m. The qualification round is on July 20, mains draw matches on July 21-22 with semifinals on July 23 and the medal matches on July 24. Main draw sessions start at 11 a.m. in the day time and 6 p.m. in the evening. The medal matches on Sunday start at 1 p.m.

Among the featured teams for Canada on the women’s side are Marie-Andrée Lessard of Ville LaSalle, Que., and Annie Martin of Sherbrooke, Que. ‘’We are excited about playing in front of our families, friends and sponsors,’’ said Martin. ‘’It’s one of the key events for us this season.’’

Other teams to watch for on the women’s side for Canada are the fast-improving Heather Bansley and Liz Maloney of Toronto as well as Julie Rodrigue of Quebec City and Kacie MacTavish of Sharon, Ont.

On the men’s side, Canada is also showing improvement this year with teams of Christian Redmann of Toronto and Ben Saxton of Calgary; Josh Binstock and Richard Van Huizen, both of Toronto and Martin Reader of Comox, B.C., and Chaim Schalk of Red Deer, Alta.

"It is integral for Canada's development in beach volleyball to host an international competition," Reader said. "Not only does it assist our nation's athletes in improving their world ranking; it will catalyze the growth of our sport and offer invaluable marketing opportunities.”

The powerful international field will include Americans Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers the 2008 Olympic champions and 2010 World Tour champions.